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Water Treatment & Hydronic Heating Information

How does a water softener work?

  1. Water from your home's plumbing enters the water softener unit.

  2. The water passes through a tank filled with small resin beads that are coated with a substance called sodium ions.

  3. The hard minerals in the water (calcium and magnesium) are attracted to the resin beads and stick to them, while the sodium ions are released into the water in their place.

  4. The now-softened water continues through the water softener and into your home's plumbing.

  5. Eventually, the resin beads become saturated with calcium and magnesium ions and need to be cleaned. To clean them, the water softener runs a regeneration cycle where it flushes the beads with a brine solution (water and salt), which removes the calcium and magnesium ions and replaces them with sodium ions again.

  6. The brine solution and the excess calcium and magnesium are then drained from the unit.

  7. Once the regeneration process is complete, the water softener is ready to remove hard minerals from water again.

What are the benefits of having a water softener?

  1. Reducing the amount of scale buildup on appliances and fixtures - Hard water can leave mineral deposits on faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures, as well as on appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. A water softener can reduce the amount of scale buildup, making cleaning easier and extending the life of your appliances and fixtures.

  2. Improving the efficiency of cleaning products - Hard water can make it more difficult for soaps, shampoos, and detergents to lather, which can lead to using more product. With a water softener, you can reduce the amount of soap and detergent needed for cleaning, saving you money in the long run.

  3. Making your skin and hair feel softer and smoother - Hard water can leave a residue on your skin and hair, making it feel dry and dull. Soft water can help alleviate this, leaving your skin and hair feeling softer and smoother.

  4. Saving energy and money - Hard water can reduce the efficiency of appliances, meaning they use more energy and cost more to operate. With a water softener, you can reduce the amount of energy needed to run appliances like water heaters and washing machines, resulting in lower utility bills.

What is reverse osmosis?

A reverse osmosis system is a type of water filtration system that removes impurities and contaminants from water by using a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane allows water molecules to pass through while trapping larger particles and impurities.

The resulting water is free of most contaminants and can be used for drinking, cooking, and other household purposes.

Overall, a reverse osmosis system is an effective way to improve the quality of your home's water and remove potentially harmful contaminants.

What is UV purification?

A UV light purification system is a type of water treatment system that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in water.

UV light purification systems are effective at killing a wide range of microorganisms, including those that are resistant to chlorine and other chemical disinfectants. However, they do not remove other contaminants like minerals, heavy metals, or chemicals from the water.

Overall, a UV light purification system is a simple and effective way to disinfect water and make it safe for drinking, without the use of chemicals or other additives.

How does in-floor heating or snowmelt systems work?

Hydronic heating is a type of heating system that uses hot water to distribute heat throughout a building or to distribute hot water for snow and ice melting purposes in driveways, pathways, outdoor areas, and commercial parking lots. 

The system works by heating water in a boiler and then pumping it through a network of pipes that are installed in the floors of a building or under concrete, asphalt, or interlock. As the hot water flows through these pipes, it radiates heat into the surrounding space.

Hydronic heating systems can be fueled by a variety of sources, including natural gas, propane, or electricity.

What are the benefits of in-floor heating?

  1. Comfort: In-floor heating provides consistent and even heat throughout the room, eliminating hot and cold spots. It also doesn't create drafts, which can make the room feel colder.

  2. Energy efficiency: In-floor heating uses less energy than traditional heating systems because it operates at lower temperatures. This can result in lower energy bills.

  3. Aesthetics: In-floor heating is hidden beneath the flooring, which means you don't have to worry about unsightly radiators or heating vents.

  4. Improved air quality: In-floor heating doesn't circulate air like traditional heating systems, which can reduce the amount of dust and allergens in the air.

  5. Versatility: In-floor heating can be installed under various types of flooring, including tile, hardwood, and carpet.

  6. Quiet operation: In-floor heating systems operate quietly, which means you won't be disturbed by the sound of a noisy heating system, creating a peaceful and comfortable environment. 

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